Monday's List- Documentaries

Lately, I have been watching documentaries on Netflix. There is something I find compelling and inspiring about documentaries. I find that documentaries hit me at an emotional level that feature films do not.  Here are five of my favorite:

1. Shut Up Little Man: From terrible neighbors to a viral phenomenon. The absurdity of the relationship between roommates is complelling and unbelievable.

Who should watch this? Anyone with less-than-delicate sensitivites interested in human relationships, viral media, or hilarious arguments.

2. Dear Zachary: A man's memoir created for his murdered best friend's son turns into a heartwrenching documentation of the aftermath. The filmmaker inadverently takes the audience on a devastaing journey that will haunt the viewer. Have tissue nearby.

Who should watch this? True-Crime show lovers.

3. Best Worst Movie This documentary answers all the questions that late-night TV watching brings. How does a terrible movie get made? Do the people in the movie know that it is terrible? What happens to terrible actors?

Who should watch this? Movie afficainados, anyone who needs a laugh.

4. Brother's Keeper: Impoverished, poorly educated farmers living in squalor struggle with the accusation that their oldest brother was murdered by Delbert, one of the younger brothers.

Who should watch this? Redneck-reality show lovers, anyone interested in human relationships.

5. The Pruitt-Igoe Myth: An exploration of the failure of a low-income housing project in St. Louis. The film explores the social changes that caused the literal implosion of this post-war modernist housing effort. Pruitt-Igoe is cited in anti-social welfare as an example of government programs being ineffective. The issues around Pruitt-Igoe highlight how gaps in legislation can cause the failure of social programs.

Who should watch? Those interested in social justice, or equality issues. Anyone interested in mid-century social trends.


What are your favorite documentaries? Share with me!

~Venetia

Monday's List: Getting Started with Art Journaling under $25

One of the questions that I see most often with art journaling is "What do I need to get started?" The lists of supplies can be extensive and pricey, which isn't resonable to just try something out. I decided to challenge myself and create a starter kit on a budget. He are my recommendations and justifications:

1.  Acrylic Paints
I'm choosing acrylic paints because they are the most versatile. You can create mists, washes, or build colors. Clean up is easy with acrylic.  This Golden Try Color set is a mixing set that is based on printer's colors. At $6, it is a great starter set. You could also pick up small tubes individually, just look for these types of colors so that they mix well.

To be cost-effective, you might start with a watercolor set. This Crayola set is under $3. To get the most out of watercolors, mist the pan with water and let it sit for 5 minutes. This allows the pigment to soften, and it allows you to get a richer color from inexpensive paints.

For free, you can ask someone who uses liquid watercolors to share a few dabs. Let the dabs dry in a tray, and you have created an custom dry watercolor set.

2. Paper
Spend your money here. In mixed media, light paper will warp and buckle. I abuse my art journals. I have run pages under the kitchen sink with the water on full blast. I love Bee Paper Super Journals.

3. Adhesive
A collage adhesive is helpful. Start with a small bottle to see if you like the brand. A 4oz bottle of Mod Podge is under $3. Personally, I prefer Collage Pauge. An 8 oz bottle lasts me months, and a sealant is not required.

4. Pens
These Uni-Balls write on everything. I have used them on many mixed media surfaces and they write beautifully. They also do not discolor when wet, which is important if you want to paint or mix over your ink. You can use any pen, but test it with the technique you are using first, to make sure the Pen won't bleed.

5. Brushes
I like synthetic brushes with acrylic and watercolor. I also use them for collage. Pick a set with a variety of brushes. A sponge brush is also helpful.

Paint Set: $5.99
Bee Paper: $6.65
Adhesive: $2.89
Pens: $2.25
Brush Set: $5.99

Total: $23.77

I hope this helps those of you looking to try Art Journaling.

 ~Venetia